Quick Read
- Predator: Badlands began streaming today, February 12, 2026, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.
- Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, it is the seventh installment in the 38-year-old Predator franchise.
- The film earned $184.5 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Predator movie to date.
- It introduces new characters Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi) and Thia (Elle Fanning).
- The story follows an outcast Predator, Dek, and Thia on a remote planet as they seek an adversary.
LOS ANGELES (Azat TV) – Director Dan Trachtenberg’s highly anticipated seventh installment in the iconic sci-fi franchise, Predator: Badlands, officially launched its streaming debut today, February 12, 2026, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+. The film arrives having already achieved a significant milestone during its theatrical run, becoming the highest-grossing entry in the franchise’s 38-year history, further expanding the rich lore of the formidable Yautja hunters.
This latest cinematic offering, produced by John Davis, Dan Trachtenberg, Marc Toberoff, Ben Rosenblatt, and Brent O’Connor, continues the tradition of the long-running series while introducing fresh narratives and characters. Its immediate availability on major streaming platforms underscores the evolving distribution strategies for high-profile genre films, making it accessible to a global audience.
‘Badlands’ Plot and Production Details
Set in a distant future on a remote planet, Predator: Badlands introduces audiences to Dek, a young Predator outcast from his clan, portrayed by Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi. Dek forms an unlikely alliance with Thia, played by Elle Fanning, as they embark on a perilous journey to confront a formidable adversary. The narrative blends fast-paced action with moments of humor, a hallmark of Trachtenberg’s directorial style.
The film boasts extensive visual effects work, a critical component for bringing the extraterrestrial world and its creatures to life. Olivier Dumont served as the production VFX supervisor, overseeing contributions from renowned visual effects houses including Framestore, Trixter, The Yard VFX, and Wētā FX. These studios were instrumental in crafting the film’s immersive environments and the distinct designs of its new creatures and deadly terrain, as reported by Animation World Network.
A New Chapter in the Predator Saga
Predator: Badlands marks a significant expansion of the Yautja mythology, deepening the lore of the alien hunters that have captivated audiences since the original 1987 film. As the seventh entry in the enduring franchise, it builds upon the established universe while pushing creative boundaries, much like Trachtenberg’s previous critically acclaimed entry, Prey. The film’s release is accompanied by a broader initiative to celebrate the franchise, with 15 Predator-themed videos from the Predator Creators Collection by pocket.watch also added to Disney+ and Hulu, complementing the full lineup of Predator films now streaming.
Record-Breaking Box Office and Expanded Universe
Prior to its streaming availability, Predator: Badlands enjoyed a successful theatrical run, grossing an impressive $184.5 million worldwide. This figure not only solidifies its commercial success but also establishes it as the highest-grossing film in the Predator franchise to date, surpassing the 2004 crossover hit Alien vs. Predator, which earned $177.4 million globally. This financial triumph underscores the enduring appeal of the Predator universe and the success of Trachtenberg’s vision in revitalizing the series.
The strategic release of ‘Predator: Badlands’ directly onto streaming platforms, following a record-breaking theatrical performance, highlights a growing trend in Hollywood where films leverage box office success to drive immediate subscriber engagement and expand their digital footprint. This dual-platform approach ensures maximum reach and reinforces the franchise’s relevance in a competitive entertainment landscape.